Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are a big investment that you'll use for many years. That's why it's important to pick wisely.
Our test participants looked at strollers that offer great flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also checked whether the models were easy to fold and move.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers such as tandem, side-by-side (single-file) and wagons. The style has changed from the old 1980s models that older millennials might remember. These days, they're sleek and come with a range of features that make travelling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
If you have a child or toddlers to take along, an extra stroller that has car seats can be extremely useful in getting them from A to B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers available feature a single frame that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats, allowing them to be used from birth up until kids reach the age of kindergarten. They're generally more expensive than a double stroller frame but offer an integrated car seat system as well as a large undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children could opt for a single-to-double stroller that is simpler and less expensive. These frames tend to be lighter, and some moms still use their original stroller even after their children have outgrown it.
Another excellent feature of some of the tiniest double strollers we've tried is their compact fold. They can be tucked away where larger strollers wouldn't, and they're often easier to maneuver once folded.
Finally, most of the compact double strollers we've tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, though it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon cover. For budget-conscious families, it's worth checking out second-hand strollers on websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if there's a stroller that will meet your family's requirements. Make certain to check any used stroller carefully for signs of wear and tear prior to committing to buying one.
Weight
When choosing a small double stroller, parents need to consider how much they want to spend and whether it will fit their family's lifestyle. For instance, a lightweight stroller may not have enough space for large bags or other equipment. It may not have a canopy that is large enough, or other features to make it more convenient to use during long journeys.
The best double strollers are simple to maneuver and durable, to ensure that children remain comfortable and not be confined to their seats. In our tests of comfort we give higher marks to strollers with adjustable leg rests and padded seatbacks. The top double strollers come with reclined seats that allow kids to unwind on long rides.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features have made strollers that can be used in a variety of ways more popular than ever. Some of the most popular strollers can accommodate multiple car seats and offer many seating options from birth to preschool. Some are so light they can be used for running or even for traveling.
One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a small double stroller is whether or not it will be able to pass through doors and other narrow spaces. Most older models of side-by-side strollers as well as tandem strollers have an overall wideness that makes them incompatible with the majority of doors. The most effective small double strollers are usually narrower than traditional models and can be easily pushed into most standard doorways with ease.
It is also important to consider whether you require a stroller with additional features like a cup holder and snack tray. These are great for longer trips, but they add to the overall weight and cost of a double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can fold compactly, fitting easily into tight spaces and making it easy to put away. A light design makes it easy to carry and move.
Before you pick a stroller that is small, think about where you will be using it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you identify the features that are the most important. For instance, if you are planning to use the stroller for running you'll need to look for one with an elongated suspension that can glide over rough and uneven terrain.
Also, consider the age and temperaments of your children. If they are close in age, then a tandem stroller might be the best choice. If they are in different stages of development then a tandem model may be more suitable for your requirements.
A double stroller can be costly, but it's an investment that pays off in the long run. The purchase of a top-quality model that meets your family's needs will make travel with kids easier and will give years of comfort to both of you.
If you're short on storage space, double strollers are an excellent option. It can accommodate both infant car seats as well as toddlers. The Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon is a great choice for families with two young children and can accommodate twins. It comes with two canopy options, a storage bin that can be attached, as well as an infant tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers a quick and simple fold and can be carried by one hand. It is worth noting that the majority of double modular strollers require you to remove the second seat before folding them.
Maneuverability
The best double strollers for small children are easy to maneuver and come with smooth, responsive wheels that glide across all kinds of surfaces. These strollers feature reclining seats that are comfortable and plenty of storage space for your children's equipment. Additionally they can accommodate car seat carriers and infant toddler seats. These features make these strollers an ideal choice for families that want one stroller that is multi-purpose.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician as well as a travel gear expert who counsels parents about strollers and travel gear. She recommends selecting a light, easy-to-push model. She says that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, consider adding a ride-along or reduce the number of children.
A few of the double stroller s that we tested can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can carry two infant car seats or toddler seats simultaneously and can be converted to a three-seat configuration by using the add-on RumbleSeat. It also features a chic inline design, with foam-filled tires that can't go flat and a telescoping handlebar that can be adjusted. Its seat belts are easy to secure and remove, and its UPF 50+ sunshades come with windows that peek out.
Other models have seating flexibility, which makes them suitable for multiples, twins, an older child who is a single person, an infant or toddler who has a riding scooter (sold separately). They also have easy-to-use brakes and a compact fold that can fit into the majority of trunks. Some are even lightweight enough to schlep up and down steps. They require minimal assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires some tools and was the most difficult build in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers have multiple safety features, including adjustable handlebars for a comfortable grip and a wide base that won't tip over when the children get out of their seats. They also have large canopy that protect both kids rain or storms. They're also very easy to use, according to Alli Cavasino who is a certified child-passenger safety technician. "Look for an easy, one- or two-step fold that is easy to carry and has a space where straps can be put," she says.
The tiniest strollers are able to fit through doors with ease. This is an excellent advantage if you live in smaller spaces or have a limited car. The smallest models weigh less than standard double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one location to the next.
Parents with children of similar ages may prefer an X-style stroller that is side by side one of our top pick one: the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be adjusted individually for recline and width. In our testing we discovered that the seats are very comfortable and recline was easy and intuitive. Each seat has a single lever. It also comes with a massive storage basket as well as a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue when stopping) and some of the most comfortable harnesses we've tested.
If you have kids far from each other in terms of age, then a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top choice UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, might be a good choice. It is compatible with two infant car seats, and also has a pair of modified seats that act as bassinets for older kids--and can be adapted to accommodate a riding platform for a sibling who is even older.